Active National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Fraternities and Sororities

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

African Student Union

Description

"However far the stream flows, it never forgets its source"

Purpose

The African Student Union is a club that associates themselves with the continent of Africa. Most importantly, The African Student Union purpose is to not only acquire knowledge from different countries in Africa but to also provide social, cultural events, discussions, political awareness to the campus community. A.S.U welcomes students from all races to join the club and be culturally enlightened in order to engage ourselves with the world around us.

African Women's Alliance

We the African Women Alliance , concern ourselves with the political , cultural, social, and educational cultivation of women of the African Diaspora here at the State University of New York at New Paltz. We provide events and community service which revolves around African American lifestyles, encouraging all students, regardless or race creed to come out and support our events, so that though unity we can all learn for one another, making SUNY New Paltz, a more culturally diverse campus.

Afro-Latina Leaders of the Future

Description

We are here to create a platform for Afro-Latin@ realities to be heard.

Purpose

We intend on educating our campus as well as celebrating this culture.

Black Solidarity Day

Black Solidarity Day is a national event that has taken place every year since 1969, and has been observed at SUNY New Paltz since 1971.

Initiated by Dr. Carlos Russell, a former professor at Brooklyn College, the original purpose of Black Solidarity Day was to provide African-Americans with an occasion to unite in their communities on the Monday prior to Election Day (the first Monday in November), to discuss the candidates and issues up for vote and to consider broader strategies for combating racial inequality and prejudice.

Over the years the meanings and traditions associated with Black Solidarity Day have expanded. Many contemporary observers choose to stay at home in reflection with close friends and family members, while other communities host public events like film screenings, lectures and artistic performances.

SUNY New Paltz encourages all students to observe Black Solidarity Day as they see fit, and each year hundreds of students do so. The College has resolved that no tests, quizzes or graded material of any kind should be issued or due on the first Monday of November, and that students who provide their professors with prior notification of their intention to stay home in observation of Black Solidarity Day will not be held accountable for this absence from normal class activity.

Black Studies Student Organization

In the fall of 2015, SUNY New Paltz students formed the Black Studies Student Organization (BSSO), uniting to advocate for the rebuilding of the Black Studies Department following an unprecedented wave of faculty retirements and resignations.

The student members of the Black Studies Student Organization are committed to seeing the renewal of the Black Studies Department. On Nov. 13, 2015, seven members of the BSSO met with a group of faculty and staff, including College President Donald P. Christian, to voice their concerns and suggest pathways to resolving them. The BSSO members are also the major organizers of a petition and a Dec. 9 rally on the New Paltz campus calling attention to this important issue.

Two students who have been actively involved with the BSSO – Jean Padilla ’16 (Sociology – Criminology) and Kimberly Roman ’16 (Early Childhood Education – Black Studies B-6) – have been appointed to serve alongside faculty and staff on a committee leading a national search for full-time, tenure-track faculty in the Black Studies Department.

Black Student Union

Description

BSU promotes intellectual, political, cultural, and social growth amongst all New Paltz

Purpose

The purpose of the Black Student Union of New Paltz University is to foster a sense of community among all students of the African Diaspora at New Paltz. Our mission is to stimulate the intellectual, political, cultural, and social growth of all New Paltz students. In addition, the Black Student Union serves as a resource to all other groups on campus serving students of the African Diaspora.

Black Week

Description

Black week is a week of events that pomotes the cultures of minorities on campus,.

Purpose

The purpose of Black week is to put up fun, intellectual and educative programs throughout the week to teach and share the rich and vibrant culture of the people of color. That includes, Africans, African Americans, Latinos, etc.... It's the time to reunite people regardless of their backgrounds, to be united and remember the greatness of where we come from.

Business Association for Student of Color (BASC)

Description

BASC aims to act as a resource to unite its members with the academic and professional community.

Purpose

The Business Association for Students of Color (BASC) is a student-run organization that focuses on promoting diversity within the campus community, as well as the business world. BASC aims to act as a resource to unite its members with the academic and professional community through networking, business events, mentor-ship, and community service. Additionally, the BASC provides students with the necessary skills to succeed and become the future leaders of tomorrow. All are welcome to join.

Caribbash

Purpose

The purpose of Caribbash is to inform and educate the SUNY New Paltz's campus on the West Indian culture. We have a week full of events that surrounds the culture with our main one being our annual event which serves as a melting pot of all nationalities.

Caribbean Student Organization

Purpose

The Caribbean Student Organization at the State University of New York at New Paltz has a colorful history. CSO serves as a "home away from home" for many Caribbean students at New Paltz. The Club meetings provide a relaxed atmosphere for students to meet and network. Students of all cultures were encouraged to share their Caribbean heritage while keeping the traditions of their Caribbean ancestors. The club’s intended purpose was formed fostering a cultural bridge between the Caribbean, the United States and SUNY New Paltz campus. Also, our purpose is to shed light on the West Indian culture.

Culture Shock Dance Troupe

Description

We are dance team that specializes in hip-hop and blends other styles as well.

Purpose

Culture Shock Dance Troupe strives to bring exciting and entertaining dance pieces on campus, and we work very, very hard at what we do. Culture Shock was founded over 15 years ago and we remain to be one of the most well-known dance teams on campus, combining hip-hop with other dance styles and techniques like contemporary, reggae, voguing, lyrical, and even Irish step-dancing. We take the talents of the members of the team and come up with original and creative choreography, performing for other organizations both on and off campus. We have a large dance exhibition and competition in the Fall semester called Dance Evolution, where both dancers from our school and dance teams from the tri-state area are welcome to compete for a prize in Studley theater. We have performed for Dance Underground and have collaborated with numerous clubs on campus, including Envied Fashions, the Black Student Union, Carribash and many others. We also compete off campus, traveling from Albany to Long Island at other events. We are competitive, passionate about what we do and of course, welcoming to people of all different cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and beliefs.

Fahari-Libertad

Description

To seek knowledge, truth and unity with pride.

Purpose

THE FAHARI-LIBERTAD is committed to printing the political, social, and economic views and concerns regarding people of color at SUNY New Paltz. It is published in the spirit of cultural unity as well as bringing about the spiritual unification of all people. The main goal of THE FAHARI-LIBERTAD is to enrich and educate all people with knowledge and enlightenment. We accept with open arms anyone who is truly committed to these goals to work with us

Golden Roots (Afro-Beat Dance Team)

Purpose

Golden Roots is an afro-beat dance group that illustrates the art of dancing through a fusion of cultures. With the love for African drumming, traditional clothing, new beats and dances from today’s generation, we bring a fusion of cultures together by opening up the club to all students on campus with different ethnic backgrounds. This will bring awareness to those who are not familiar or want to enhance their knowledge on the African culture in addition to performing along with other schools and teams at requested events.

Hairtology

Description

Hairtology is a fairly new club on campus that focuses on the hair of New Paltz.

Purpose

Our mission is to unite our community for the sole purpose of learning about hair in it's natural state, while incorporating versatility, diversity and cultures. Our Purpose is to bring awareness and educate the New Paltz community on the importance of hair within different cultures. Through our programs we will attempt to teach the students and the New Paltz community facts and tips specific to their hair and needs. Our main objectives are to showcase how hair has different impact among each cultural background. We would also like to provide students with on campus resources such as networking; in terms of doing each others hair, contact information regarding those who know how to cut hair and so forth.

Impacto Sensual (Afro-Latino Dance Team)

Description

Afro-Latino dance team that is devoted to embracing and expressing diversity through dance.

Purpose

Impacto Sensual is the one and only Afro-Latino dance team at SUNY New Paltz. Our mission is to spread diversity throughout the SUNY New Paltz and other campuses through our performances, shows, and workshops. We strive to bring the Afro-Latino culture through our shared passion of dancing. We continue to create awareness of different ethnicities while promoting our love for our Afro-Latino roots.

Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS)

Description

To provide emotional and academic support for students interested in the medical field.

Purpose

SUNY New Paltz Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students is an organization that aims to recruit, retain and support students of historically disadvantaged and under-represented ethnic groups in their pursuit of careers in science and health fields. This society is geared toward creating a social network for minority students seeking to become future leaders in health care by means of informal discussion and peer counseling. As well as facilitating learning and academic networking for undergraduate Pre-Medical Students.

National Society of Black Engineers

Description

Promotes awareness of opportunities for students of underrepresented backgrounds within engineering

Purpose

NSBE’s primary mission is "to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community." NSBE offers its members leadership training, professional development, mentoring opportunities, career placement services and more.

New Day Ensemble (Theatre)

Description

We are a group of actors and writers collaborating in order to portray the African Diaspora.

Purpose

The mission of New Day Ensemble is to generate a group of students of color who are prepared to present dramatic presentation to the campus. A performing arts organization that focuses on expressing the experiences of the people of the African Diaspora through drama. New Day Ensemble would like to unite the multitude of organizations on campus to reflect their respective cultures, histories, and experiences through the arts.

Rock Against Racism

Description

A Long-Standing Organization that has provided a unifying musical event to dicuss issues of racism

Purpose

A Long-Standing Organization that has provided a unifying musical event to discuss issues of racism through the platforms of up and coming artists and/or a compilation of musical and culturally diverse acts to provide cultural awareness around race and racism.

Scholars Mentorship Club

The objectives of the organization shall be: A. To promote community building within the club and larger campus community. B. To provide fellowship among students and staff campus wide. C. To represent student priorities and needs related to administrative policies D. To assist with programming initiatives such as: The Annual Cultural Tour which aims to provide culture exposure and to educate the campus community through arts and community building; The SMP Calling Campaign which is a unique initiative initiated by the Scholar's Mentorship Program and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions that aims to welcome and educate accepted general admissions students of color about the benefits of attending SUNY New Paltz; The Registration Nation is an annual program which aims to provide help and resources that will help support First Year students during the registration process. F. To distribute and collect annual evaluations about the effectiveness of the Scholar’s Mentorship Program. G. To encourage participation in Scholar’s Mentorship Club events and in campus-wide student services initiatives such as Make a Difference Day, Relay for Life and other campus wide events. H. To participate in Accepted Student Day, Open House, and Prospective Student Day.

Shades Step Team

Purpose

Shades is a fine and performing arts club that focuses on the dance form of stepping. We hold practices throughout the semester to prepare for our show, which is put on during dance evolution. Members will try out to gain a spot on the team. We incorporate every members ideas into our routines. We also host a competition during our show, where outside step teams compete for a cash prize. We also step in competitions off-campus during the spring semester.

Ubuntu Theatre

Description

To come together and explore different backgrounds through the arts.

Purpose

Ubuntu Theatre is being created by primarily Students of Color at SUNY New Paltz who want to create more diverse knowledge on the theatre arts. The goal is to educate ourselves on issues within our own communities by having workshops, scene studies, and performances that center around the experiences of SOC. Our ideas for this group will continuously change and develop as we talk more with different students and become an official club. We are asking for everyone's support by sharing and participating in our conversations as we move forward into the Fall 2015 semester. Origins of Ubuntu: The word "Ubuntu" comes out of Africa and is a Zulu Philosophy which can be described many different ways. Some of which include: "I am what I am because of who we all are.” or “I am a person through other persons”. or "I am because we are." Ubuntu – the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can’t exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can’t be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality – Ubuntu – you are known for your generosity.”

Urban Lyrics

Description

Urban Lyrics is an alternative spoken word collective aimed to provide a different poetic style.

Purpose

Spoken Word has remained a prominent form of art on the SUNY New Paltz campus. Urban Lyrics was created to represent the voices of people color through spoken word poetry, rap and song. Officially Urban Lyrics was recognized as an organization on January 2011. The voices of Urban Lyrics were breed within the inner city as art is used a weapon to convey our stories, ideologies and experiences. Urban Lyrics is not just a spoken word team but a lyrical family, a movement in which art is at its essence. Our aim is to further spread the messages of our members, whether personal or related to prominent social issues. We do so by sharing our art and its evolution.

Voices of Unity Gospel Choir

Purpose

The purpose of this club is teach participates basis voice skills, while learning different songs in the gospel genre. Rehearsals are held during the class portion of the club (BLK 300). We incorporate voice excersices into each rehearsal. Our aim is to prepare for our concert that we have once every semester. Participates learn about 5-8 songs a semester. The performance is the bulk of the class grade. We also have off/on- campus engagements that are totally optional to participates. If people that are not enrolled in the class want to participate they can, but will not receive the class credits.